A number of years ago, amid the mice and filth of a Taliban prison in Afghanistan, two ordinary American young women wrote and sang praise songs to the Lord.

Missionaries Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer didn’t know their fate at the hands of their captors. Even so, in the midst of their uncertain future, they found reason to pray rejoicing. They took comfort in recalling the biblical accounts of King David and of Job, both of whom wrestled with God because of their difficult circumstances, yet ultimately surrendered with praise to the Almighty.

Herod ruled at the time of Jesus’ birth and enjoyed a lengthy reign over Palestine. Holding a seat of power in the Roman Empire as he did, it meant that he ruled peoples and built whole cities. If ever you were looking for the powerful figure to bring resources to a movement from God, this is the guy you wanted. Power, communications and influence were there in unequaled measure. But he was not invited to the story of the Christ. And power was the problem.

The Carrollton Police Department will host a training session on church security and how to handle an active shooter for area pastors and church leaders. The training will be from 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, at city hall. CPD Chief Mike Willhoite will administer the training.